President Donald Trump warned Cuba on Sunday to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, asserting that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to the island would cease following the anticipated fall of Nicolás Maduro. Trump's statement, posted on his Truth Social platform, intensified pressure on Cuba, a long-standing U.S. adversary and key ally of Venezuela.

"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA ZERO!" Trump wrote, adding, "I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." He did not elaborate on the specifics of the potential deal.

Cuba has historically relied heavily on Venezuela for oil supplies, particularly since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The relationship solidified under the leadership of Hugo Chávez, who offered subsidized oil to Cuba in exchange for Cuban doctors and other professionals to work in Venezuela. This arrangement has been crucial for Cuba's economy, which has struggled under decades of U.S. sanctions.

The U.S. has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since 1962, initially imposed in response to the Cuban government's nationalization of U.S.-owned properties following the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro. The embargo has been a point of contention in international relations, with many countries condemning it as a violation of international law.

Venezuela's political and economic crisis has already significantly impacted Cuba. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports in an effort to pressure Maduro to step down, further straining Cuba's access to vital resources. Shipping data indicates that no cargoes have left Venezuelan ports bound for Cuba since Maduro's capture last week.

The Trump administration had previously tightened restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba, reversing the Obama administration's efforts to normalize relations between the two countries. These measures were aimed at cutting off revenue streams to the Cuban government.

The potential consequences for Cuba of losing Venezuelan support are significant. The island nation faces potential economic hardship and social unrest. The U.S. has not specified what further actions it might take if Cuba does not comply with Trump's demand, leaving the nature of the "deal" and the potential repercussions unclear. The situation is being closely monitored by international observers, who are concerned about the potential for instability in the region.